Power outlet and method for use

ABSTRACT

A power outlet for controlling power to an external device and transmitting data to the external device, the power outlet including: a housing containing at least one alternating-current power input connection; a power output connection; a data connector; a sensor module; a wireless communication module, including an antenna; a processing unit configured to receive data and control an electrically connected device through the power output connection and/or data connector based on the received data.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/163,087, filed 17 Oct. 2018, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 15/681,797, filed 21 Aug. 2017, which is acontinuation of Ser. No. 15/477,251, filed 3 Apr. 2017, which is adivisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/843,773, filed 2 Sep. 2015,which claims the benefit of US Provisional Application Ser. No.62/044,788, filed 2 Sep. 2014 and 62/164,946, filed 21 May 2015, whichare incorporated in their entireties by this reference.

This application is related to U.S. application Ser. No. 14/512,669,filed 13, Oct. 2014, Ser. No. 14/542,312, filed 14 Nov. 2014, Ser. No.14/720,180, filed 22 May 2015, and Ser. No. 14/793,375, filed 7 Jul.2015, which are incorporated in their entireties by this reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates generally to the connected devices field, andmore specifically to a new and useful connected power outlet in theconnected devices field.

BACKGROUND

Recently, there has been a trend toward incorporating long-range,wireless communication modules into components that conventionally lackwireless connectivity or any data input at all (un-connectedcomponents). However, wireless communication modules, particularlylong-range wireless communication modules (e.g., WiFi chips), tend to beexpensive. Inclusion of such chips can drastically increase the cost ofthese conventional systems.

Thus, there is a need in the devices field to create a new and usefulsystem and method of introducing long-range wireless communicationcapabilities into un-connected devices. This invention provides such newand useful system and method.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a connectivity-enabled poweroutlet.

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a first variation of the poweroutlet.

FIG. 3 is a section view of the first variation of the power outlet.

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a second variation of the poweroutlet.

FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a third variation of the poweroutlet.

FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of a method of data transferbetween a remote device and an accessory via an outlet.

FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of a first variation of the method.

FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of an example of audio-videostreaming from a device, through a set of networked outlets, to an A/Voutput, such as a display.

FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of an example of synchronousaudio-video display, wherein the audio-video data is streamed from adevice, through a set of networked outlets, to a set of A/V outputs.

FIG. 10 is a schematic representation of an example of remote devicecontrol of a motorized accessory (e.g., a set of blinds) through theoutlet.

FIG. 11 is a schematic representation of an example of automated controlof a motorized accessory by the outlet, based on the ambient environmentmeasurement.

FIG. 12 is a schematic representation of an example of remote devicecontrol of a motorized accessory by a remote device, based on based onthe ambient environment measurement from the outlet.

FIG. 13 is a schematic representation of an example of outlet dataprocessing, wherein the outlet can add metadata such as location or timeto the data communicated by the accessory.

FIG. 14 is a schematic representation of a first example of the method,including receiving data from a device at a first outlet, sending thedata to a second outlet connected to a desired endpoint, determininginstructions based on the data, and controlling the endpoint, here, asecond device connected to the outlet, based on the instructions.

FIG. 15 is a schematic representation of a second example of the method,including receiving data from a device at a first outlet, determininginstructions based on the data, managing power provision to anelectrically connected second device based on the instructions, andreceiving data from the second device.

FIG. 16 is a schematic representation of a second example of the method,including receiving data from a device at a first outlet; determininginstructions based on the data; managing power provision to anelectrically connected second device based on the instructions; andsending control instructions to the second device operation, wherein thecontrol instructions are based on the data.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description of the preferred embodiments of the inventionis not intended to limit the invention to these preferred embodiments,but rather to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use thisinvention.

1. Power Outlet

As shown in FIG. 1, the power outlet 100 includes a housing 110, a powerinput connection 120, a power output connection 130, a data connector140 a, an input/output module 150, a communication module 160, and aprocessing unit 170. The power outlet 100 can additionally include acombined power data connector 140 b, one or more sets of sensors,memory, a power management circuit, a set of electromagnetic signalemitting elements (e.g., lighting elements), or a plurality of any ofthese components. The power outlet 100 functions to power a connectedexternal device and provide data transfer capability between theconnected external device and a remote device, such as a set of serversor personal mobile device. The power outlet 100 can additionallyfunction to network a set of external devices, each connected to anoutlet 100 in a set of outlets, wherein the outlets can be wired orwirelessly connected to act as network nodes. The power outlet 100 canadditionally function to enable remote control of a connected externaldevice, by sending control data to the connected external device orcontrolling the power delivered to the connected device.

The inventors have discovered that connectivity can be introduced tounconnected components (devices) without increasing the component'scost. These unconnected components are typically powered, and are eitherperiodically or substantially constantly plugged into a power outlet,but lack an inherent means for data communication with other unconnectedor remote devices on a network. Furthermore, the power connection tothese components oftentimes doubles as a data connection. The inventorshave discovered that, by incorporating connectivity into the poweroutlet 100 and enabling data communication between the outlet 100 andthe unconnected component, these previously unconnected components canleverage the communication module 160 of the power outlet 100 tocommunicate with remote devices, thereby introducing long-range wirelesscommunication capabilities without incorporating a dedicated wirelesscommunication module 160 into the component. By incorporating aprocessing unit 170 into the power outlet 100 that can be used inconjunction with the communication module 160, the inventors havediscovered that many signal processing and data transfer tasks thatwould increase the cost and complexity of an otherwise unconnectedcomponent can instead be performed by the power outlet 100. Otherbenefits of the invention include the capability to manage the powerthat is provided to the connected component, device, or accessory.

1.1 Housing

The housing 110 of the power outlet 100 functions to contain theelectrical and mechanical components and sub-systems as well as toprovide a substrate on which to affix sub-components, mounting fixtures,and various apertures. The housing no is preferably rigid, butalternatively can be flexible, contain flexible portions, be semi-rigid,or have any other suitable degree of rigidity. The housing 110 canalternatively be composed of multiple rigid portions that articulaterelative to one another. The housing no preferably has high thermalconductivity, but can alternatively have low thermal conductivity or anyother suitable conductivity. The housing 110 preferably is of lowelectrical conductivity and acts substantially as an electricalinsulator, but alternatively can be semi-conductive or conductive. Thehousing no preferably includes one or more apertures in for mounting thehousing 110 to a surface or surfaces, but can alternatively mount to asurface using magnetic attraction, adhesive, clips, or any othersuitable mechanism for attachment. The housing no preferably includesone or more removable panels which provide access to any components orstructures contained within the housing 110, but alternatively thehousing 110 can be partially open, fully sealed, include expandableorifices, or any other suitable means for accessing the interior of thehousing 110. The housing 110 also preferably includes one or moreorifices for the insertion and removable attachment of plugscorresponding to one or more power connectors 120, 130, data connectors140 a, or connectors 140 b that transmit both power and data (power-dataconnectors 140 b). The housing 110 is preferably substantially arectangular prism which encloses an internal volume, but canalternatively be ovoid, cubic, or any other suitable shape providing aninternal volume and defining one or more external broad faces. Thehousing 110 can also include one or more protruding substructures toprovide mounting flanges, orifices, or any other suitable mountingsubstructures. The housing 110 is preferably constructed substantiallyof plastic, but can alternatively be metal, wood, or any suitablecombination of suitable materials. The housing 110 is preferablyassembled from multiple rigid substructures using screws or otherfasteners, but can alternatively be bonded together with adhesive, castfrom a single piece, or any other suitable means for assembly,attachment, or construction.

In one variant of the invention, the housing 110 is constructed to mountwithin a wall in place of a conventional electrical power outlet. Inthis variation, the housing 110 preferably contains two protrudingsubstructures, each of which contains one or more mounting orifices 111,which together provide an incorporated mounting bracket for attachmentto the interior of a wall outlet substructure. The housing 110 can alsocontain a faceplate 112, which can be removably attached with screws orother fasteners, that covers the interior of the housing 110 andprovides orifices for various plugs, connectors, and cables. The housing110 can be mounted entirely within, partially within, on the wall, or inany other suitable location.

In another variant of the invention, the housing 110 is configured tomount over an existing electrical power outlet. In this variation, thehousing 110 preferably provides one or more three-prong protrusionsconfigured to fit into a typical three-orifice female electrical powersocket. These protrusions are preferably made of metal or anotherconductive material, but alternatively can be electrical insulators orsemi-conductors.

In a further variant of the invention, the housing 110 is connected to apower source via a substantially flexible cable or cord that isconnected to the housing 110 and passes through an orifice in thehousing 110. The housing 110 of this and all other variants of theinvention can include one or more light-emitters 152, which arepreferably located on the outer surface of the housing 110.Alternatively, light-emitters 152 can be embedded in the housing 110(e.g., along the perimeter of the housing 110, along the edge of thehousing 110 proximal the faceplate, along the exterior side of thehousing 110, etc.) or be located in any other suitable location. Thelight-emitters 152 are preferably arranged about the entirety of thehousing periphery, but can alternatively be arranged along a portion ofthe housing periphery (e.g., along one sides, along opposing sides,along adjacent sides, etc.), along the housing face, or along any othersuitable portion of the housing 110. The light-emitters 152 arepreferably arranged with an active surface arranged with a normal vectoropposing the housing 110 interior (e.g., directed outward) as shown inFIG. 4, but can alternatively be arranged at an angle or at any othersuitable orientation. The light-emitters 152 can be LEDS, OLEDS, or beany other suitable element capable of emitting visible or invisiblelight. Examples of light that can be emitted include white light,colored light (e.g., RGB, wherein the LED is an RGB LED), IR, or anyother suitable color. The light-emitters 152 can be operated in responseto or concurrently with data receipt, power receipt, lighting controlinstruction receipt, data transfer (e.g., device control), power supplythrough the power output connectors 130, power supply cessation, theoccurrence of a trigger event (e.g., a time of day being met, aproximity sensor detecting a proximal user), or be controlled in anyother suitable manner.

1.2 Power Input Connector

The power outlet 100 includes a power input connector 120 (power inputconnection 120), which functions to supply power to the power outlet 100for provision to a connected external device. The power input connector120 is preferably capable of conducting alternating current through afirst and second electrode, but can alternatively be capable ofconducting direct-current or an arbitrary current waveform. The powerinput connector 120 preferably includes a third electrode for anearth-ground connection, but alternatively the housing no can constitutean earth-ground connection, either the first or second electrode can bean earth-ground connection, or an earth-ground connection can be absent.The power input connector 120 preferably includes screw terminals toretain the power input wires or connection, but can alternativelyinclude a standard female wall outlet plug arrangement, solder points,electrically conductive clips, or any other suitable method forretaining the electrical connection between the power input connector120 and a source of electrical power. The screw terminals are preferablylocated in disparate locations on the housing 110, but can alternativelybe in any suitable geometric arrangement. The power input connector 120can be a female plug in the typical electrical outlet configuration(e.g., NEMA 1-15 (Type A), NEMA 5-15 (Type B)), but alternatively can bea male plug in the typical electrical outlet configuration, or a male orfemale plug in any other suitable configuration. The power inputconnector 120 is preferably constructed of a combination of electricallyconductive and electrically insulating material configured to permitpower to flow into the power outlet 100 without short-circuiting.Preferably, the power input connector 120 and associated orifices areembedded in the housing 110, but can alternatively be connected via acord, on top of the housing 110, entirely enclosed by the housing 110,or be in any other suitable location.

In a first embodiment, the power input connection 120 is a set of screwterminals located on the exterior of the housing 110, wherein thepositive, common, and ground wires in a building electrical wiringsystem are each connected to a different screw terminal. These screwterminals are electrically isolated from one another.

In a second variation, the power input connection 120 is a standard NEMA5-15 male plug that can be inserted into a standard grounded NEMA 5-15wall outlet. This plug can be coupled to the power outlet 100 via anextended, flexible cord, or can be rigidly affixed directly to theexterior of the housing 110.

In alternative variations, the power input connector 120 can be adirect-current input, a wireless power input module, or any othersuitable means to receive power at the power outlet 100.

1.3 Power Output Connector

The power outlet 100 includes one or more power output connectors 130(power output connections 130) that function to removably couple one ormore external devices to the power outlet 100 and to supply electricalpower to them. The power output connectors 130 are preferably configuredas standard female alternating current electrical sockets (e.g., NEMA5-15), but can alternatively be male plugs, direct-current ports, awireless-power transmitter, or any other suitable connector forconveying electrical power. The power output connectors 130 arepreferably recessed into the housing 110 to prevent short circuits, butcan alternatively be flush with or extended outward from the surface ofthe housing no. The power output connectors 130 are preferably orientedto face outward from the housing no to enable convenient removableattachment of external devices, but can alternatively be located beneatha movable cover, be affixed to flexible extension cables, or any othersuitable orientation relative to the housing no.

In a variation of the invention, the power output connector 130 is a USBplug configured to supply direct-current (DC) power to a connectedexternal device. In an alternative variation, the power output connector130 is a D-subminiature (D-sub) cable with one or more pins configuredto supply electrical power. In another variation, there is a set ofpower output connectors 130 of one or more types, wherein the type ofoutput connector 130 can vary over the set.

1.4 Data Connector

The power outlet 100 includes one or more data connectors 140 a thatfunction to allow data communication with a connected external device.The data communication can be two-way, one-way (e.g., to the device,from the device), or enable communication in any suitable directionbetween any suitable number of endpoints. The data connectors 140 a arepreferably female sockets for physical connection of one or more pins,but can alternatively be male plugs, extended cables with male or femaleends, or a combination of male or female plugs with male or female pins.The data connectors 140 a are preferably USB ports, but canalternatively be HDMI, VGA, RS-232, analog signal, or any other suitabledata connection. The data connectors 140 a preferably constitute aphysical electrical connection, but alternatively can constitute anoptical infrared link, Wi-Fi radio, radiofrequency transceiver,millimeter-wave transceiver, or any other suitable wireless datatransfer mechanism.

1.5 Input-Output Module

The power outlet 100 includes an input-output (I/O) module 150, whichfunctions to collect contextual data from the environment local to thepower outlet 100 and provide visible, aural, haptic, or other suitablefeedback to the local environment. Contextual data can include data froma sensor 153 or data from a data input mechanism 151. A sensor 153 couldbe a temperature sensor, a noise or sound sensor, a light sensor, aninfrared tripwire sensor, a motion sensor, a touch sensor, a camera, anorientation sensor, a location sensor, a position sensor, a proximitysensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a current sensor, avoltage sensor, an electromagnetic sensor, or any other suitable type ofsensor. A data input mechanism 151 could include a mechanical switch 151as shown in FIG. 4, a keypad, a touch screen, a pushbutton, amicrophone, a video camera, a radio, or any other suitable type of datainput mechanism. Providing feedback to the local environment can includegenerating an audible tone, turning LEDs on and off, vibrating thehousing 110, broadcasting a radio signal, or any other suitable form offeedback. The I/O module 150 preferably contains one or more of theaforementioned sensors, data input mechanisms, and feedback mechanisms,along with supporting electronic components to ensure proper operationof the sensors, data input mechanisms, and/or feedback mechanisms.

1.6 Communication Module

The power outlet 100 includes a communication module 160, whichfunctions to enable and conduct data transfer between the power outlet100 and external devices. The communication module 160 can differ fromthe data connector 140 a in that it is preferably configured forwireless communication, but can alternatively be configured for wireddata transfer. The communication module 160 preferably includes anantenna 163, a transmitter 161, and a receiver 162. The antenna 163 ispreferably contained within the housing 110, but can alternativelyextend outward from the housing no or be contained within a portion ofthe housing no that protrudes outwards from the remainder of the housing110. The transmitter 161 and receiver 162 are both preferably containedin the housing no, but can alternatively be only partially within thehousing no, or one or the other can be absent. The communication module160 can share the same electrical ground as the power output connector130 or be grounded to a separate electrical ground. Variants of thecommunication module 160 can include a near-field communication (NFC)module, Bluetooth low energy (BLE) module, BLE beacon, WiMAX radio,Zigbee radio, or any other suitable short or long range repeater,extender, protocol translator, or other suitable means for conducting aone-way or two-way communication protocol. The outlet can include one ormore communication modules. In variants including multiple communicationmodules (e.g., such that the outlet is a multiradio system), eachcommunication module can be substantially similar (e.g., run the sameprotocol), or be different. In a specific example, a first communicationmodule can communicate with a remote router, while a secondcommunication module functions as a border router for devices within apredetermined connection distance. The multiple communication modulescan operate independently and/or be incapable of communicating withother communication modules of the same outlet, or can operate based onanother communication module of the outlet (e.g., based on the operationstate of, information communicated by, or other operation-associatedvariable of a second communication module). However, the outlet caninclude any suitable number of communication modules connected and/orassociated in any other suitable manner.

In a particular embodiment, the communication module 160 is configuredto communicate via a Wi-Fi wireless protocol. In this embodiment, thecommunication module 160 includes a Wi-Fi radio transceiver andassociated sub-components and is located within the housing no, thehousing 110 being made of material that is at least partiallytransparent to the radio waves emitted and received by the Wi-Fi radio.

In another particular embodiment, the communication module 160 isconfigured to send and receive information via a modulated power linesignal. In this embodiment, the communication module 160 is coupled tothe power input connection 120 and is configured to send informationover the power input connection 120 by using the line current waveformas a carrier waveform and modulating this waveform, and to interpretinformation sent to the communication module 160 via the power inputconnection 120 in a like manner. Alternatively, the communication module160 can be capable of sending information only via power linemodulation, and receiving information through any other suitable means,or vice versa.

1.7 Processing Unit

The power outlet 100 includes a processing unit 170 that functions toprocess any received data, generate instructions for subsequenttransmission, direct data transmission, and control all subsystems ofthe power outlet 100. The processing unit 170 is preferably electricallyconnected to each of the subsystems, but can additionally oralternatively be wirelessly connected to the subsystems, or otherwiseconnected to the subsystems. These subsystems can include thecommunication module 160, the I/O module 150, the power outputconnectors 130, the power input connectors 120, and any of thesub-components thereof. The processing unit 170 is preferably amicroprocessor, but can alternatively be a central processing unit(CPU), a graphical processing unit (GPU), or any other suitable means ofexecuting computational tasks.

2. Method for Connecting Devices

As shown in FIG. 6, the method 200 functions to connect multipleexternal devices and manages the power provided to one or more of theconnected external devices. The method 200 includes: receiving a firstset of data from a first connected device S210; determining a set ofinstructions S220 based on the first set of data; and managing the powerconsumption S250 of a second connected device. The method 200 canoptionally include: receiving a second set of data S260 from the secondconnected external device; and transmitting the second set of data S270to a third connected device (e.g., as shown in FIG. 15). The method 200can additionally optionally include: collecting contextual data S240;modifying the first or second set of data S230 a; storing the first orsecond set of data; computing a pattern from the first or second set ofdata; receiving a third set of data; identifying one or more of theconnected external devices or generating or producing deviceidentification data; sending a set of data to the second connecteddevice, or computing one or more sets of instructions.

The method 200 is preferably performed by a system incorporating one ormore of the power outlets described above, but could alternatively beperformed by any system configured to perform substantially similarfunctions.

This method 200 for connecting devices to a network and controlling themvia a connectivity-enabled power outlet 100 confers a host of benefitson a practitioner of the method 200. The method 200 enables local(contextual) data to be incorporated into control schemes for connecteddevices without the added cost and complexity of adding dedicatedsensors to those connected devices. It also allows for remote powermanagement of electrically controlled devices, and for the management toincorporate two-way data streams originating from the controlled deviceor additional contextual data sources. The method 200 enables datatransfer between two devices connected to two respectiveconnectivity-enabled power outlets on a peer-to-peer network or datastream, particularly if the two devices would otherwise lack thecapability for such data transfer.

Device (external device, connected device) can be another physicalinstance of the power outlet system 100 described above, such that theplurality of power outlets act as nodes in a data transfer network.Alternatively, device can refer to a mobile phone, a laptop, a desktopcomputer, a remote server, an audio-visual receiver, a television, amonitor, a camera, a music player, a speaker, a connected lightingsystem, a connected switch, or any other device suitable for datageneration, transmission, reception, or display. As a furtheralternative, device can refer to any electrically-powered device overwhich power management and control is desired, such as a light bulb,lamp, radio, refrigerator, washing machine, dryer, air-purificationsystem, air conditioner, or any other suitable electrically-powereddevice. These devices can be in the local vicinity of the power outlet100 (e.g., in the same room), located in the proximate area of the poweroutlet 100 (e.g., in the same building), or be located remotely awayfrom the power outlet 100 (e.g., a remote server in a differentcountry).

In the context of the method 200, data (e.g., received data, set ofdata, contextual data) can refer to a command sent to the power outlet100 from a wirelessly connected device. Alternatively, data can refer toaudio data, video data, audio-visual data, record information,preferences, timing information, clock synchronization data, or anyother necessary form of transmittable data sent to the power outlet 100from a wired or wirelessly connected external device. Contextual data ispreferably data acquired via the power outlet 100 through one or moreincorporated sensors or data input mechanisms, but can alternatively beother data inherent to the spatiotemporal surroundings of the poweroutlet 100, such as the current time, position, locally stored data, ordata transmitted to the power outlet 100 by a connected device.

2.1 Receiving a First Set of Data

Receiving a first set of data S210 from a first connected devicefunctions to obtain information from the first connected device. S210 ispreferably performed over a wireless connection between the power outlet100 and the first connected device by the power outlet's communicationmodule 16 o, but can alternatively be performed via a wired connection.Receiving a first set of data S210 can include receiving serial data,analog data, parallel data streams, or any other suitable type of dataorganization and reception. The received data can be sent from the firstconnected device, or it can be sent from any other connected device,collected from the I/O module 150 of the power outlet 100, generatedspontaneously by the power outlet 100, or received from any othersuitable origin. The first set of data can also include data receivedfrom a plurality of connected devices and combined into the first set ofdata, which can then be used in other parts of the method 200 as asingle set of data.

2.2 Determining a Set of Instructions

Determining a set of instructions (computing a set of instructions) S220based on the first set of data functions to interpret the first set ofdata and generate a subsequent set of commands and parameters to informother processes of the method 200. S220 is preferably performed by thepower outlet's 100 processing unit 170, but can alternatively beperformed by a remotely connected processor (e.g., a remote server, awirelessly connected mobile phone, or a computer connected via a USBcable). Determining a set of instructions based on the first set of datapreferably occurs after receiving the first set of data, but can also beperformed concurrently. The determined set of instructions can includeinstructions to turn on a device, turn off a device, reduce powerdelivered to a device, increase power delivered to a device, modulatethe power delivered to a device, collect data from a device, operate adevice between high and low power states, or any other suitable set ofinstructions. Instructions can also include power managementinstructions, device operation instructions, outlet operationinstructions (e.g., controlling the operation of light-emitters 152coupled to the housing 110 of the power outlet 100), or any othersuitable instructions. Determining a set of instructions S220 caninclude packaging or repackaging data, translating data, interpretingdata, computing on data, or generating a set of instructions based ondata transformed in any of the aforementioned ways. The first set ofdata can be a predetermined set of instructions, wherein determining aset of instructions S220 includes retransmitting the received first setof data, which is a set of instructions. Determining a set ofinstructions S220 can optionally include receiving contextual data S240as described above and combining the received first set of data withreceived contextual data in order to determine a set of instructions.For example, receiving a first set of data S210 can include detectingthat a user or user device (e.g., a mobile phone) is within a housebased on a user or user device connection to a local network (e.g.,wherein the power outlet 100 is also connected to the local network);receiving (collecting) contextual data S240 can include measuring theambient temperature; and determining a set of instructions S220 caninclude combining ambient temperature data with the detection of a useror user device to instruct an air conditioner wirelessly or directlyconnected to the power outlet 100 to turn on. Alternatively oradditionally, determining a set of instructions S220 can includedetermining an endpoint address for sending the first set of data or atransformed set of data based on the received first set of data.

2.3 Managing Power Consumption

Managing the power consumption S250 of a second connected devicefunctions to alter or maintain the behavior of the second device byaltering or maintaining the degree and manner in which power is providedto the second device, based on the set of instructions. S250 ispreferably performed by the power outlet's 100 processing unit 170 inconjunction with the power input connection 120 and power outputconnection 130, but can alternatively be performed by a separate meansfor power regulation as a result of the determined set of instructions.Preferably, S250 is performed subsequent to determination of the set ofinstructions, but can alternatively be performed concurrently or prior.Managing the power consumption S250 can include conditioning the inputpower, regulating the voltage, regulating the current, engaging acurrent or voltage transformer, detecting the load impedance of thesecond device, and delivering a variable amount of power to the seconddevice. Managing the power consumption S250 can alternatively includemaintaining the existing degree and type of power provision to theconnected device, as a result of the determined set of instructions.Managing the power consumption S250 is preferably performed by clippingthe alternating current waveform to reduce the average provided power,but can alternatively be performed by pulse-width modulating a directcurrent waveform, increasing or decreasing the amplitude of the providedcurrent, altering the amplitude of the provided current in a linear,logarithmic, or exponential fashion, leaving the provided powerunchanged, initiating or discontinuing the provided power, operating thedevice between a high and a low power state, or any other suitablemanner of managing the provided power based on the determined set ofinstructions.

The method can additionally include managing second device operationbased on the set of instructions (example shown in FIG. 16). The seconddevice can be controlled via a wired or wireless data connection. Thesecond device can be controlled based on the first set of instructions(received from the first device), contextual data (e.g., outlet sensormeasurements, external sensor measurements, second device measurements,etc.), or based on any other suitable set of data. Examples of seconddevice control include: changing a volume setting, changing channels,playing or displaying audio-visual data, or controlling any othersuitable component of the second device in any other manner.

The method can also include managing power outlet operation based on thefirst set of data and/or the set of information (example shown in FIG.16). The power outlet can be controlled based on the first set ofinstructions (received from the first device), contextual data (e.g.,outlet sensor measurements, external sensor measurements, second devicemeasurements, etc.), or based on any other suitable set of data.Examples of power outlet operation parameters that can be controlledinclude: power outlet power consumption (e.g., turning on and off anylight-emitting sub-components attached to the housing no of the poweroutlet 100, disabling or enabling power provision to any of a pluralityof devices connected to the power outlet 100, etc.), power outletcomponent operation (e.g., adjusting the parameters of light emitted bythe light emitters, switching communication protocols at thecommunication module, etc.), or controlling any other suitable poweroutlet component or functionality in any other suitable manner.

2.4 Receiving a Second Set of Data

Receiving a second set of data S260 from the second connected devicefunctions to obtain data from the second device as a result of managingthe power provided to the second connected device. This is preferablyperformed by the data connector 140 a and communication module 160 ofthe power outlet 100 over a wired data connection to the second device,but can alternatively be performed by a wireless connection, or with oneor more additional devices as intermediaries (e.g., a wired or wirelessnetwork hub, a remote server, or a mobile device). The second set ofdata preferably refers to the result of managing the power of the secondconnected device, and thus preferably occurs subsequent to managing thepower, but it can alternatively occur concurrently or at any suitabletime. The second set of data can be the first set of data, be separateand distinct from the first set of data, or be any other suitable set ofdata. The second set of data can include data in the form of images,operational status, power usage statistics or time-history, audio-visualdata, confirmation data, identification information, or any othersuitable type of data generated as a result of managing the power to thesecond device. Receiving a second set of data S260 can include packagingthe data, repackaging the data, translating the data, or other forms ofdata processing. The second set of data is preferably received over awired data connection to the second connected device, wherein the seconddevice preferably possesses only a wired means of data transfer (e.g., acomputer monitor), but alternatively the second set of data can bereceived wirelessly from a second device possessing a wireless means ofdata transfer.

2.5 Transmitting Data

The method 200 includes transmitting the second set of data S270 to athird device, which functions to report the results of the powermanagement of the second device to a third device connected to the poweroutlet 100 (example shown in FIG. 15). This is preferably performed bythe power outlet's 100 communication module 160 via wirelesscommunication, but can alternatively be performed by any other suitablemeans for data transfer over a wired or wireless data connection. Thethird device is preferably connected to the power outlet 100 via awireless data link (e.g., on the same Wi-Fi network, a Bluetoothconnection), but can alternatively be connected via a wired electricaldata connection to the power outlet 100. This is preferably performedafter the second set of data is received from the second connecteddevice, but can alternatively be performed concurrently with receipt ofthe second set of data. Transmitting the second set of data S270 caninclude additional processing of the data such as packaging,repackaging, addressing, compressing, and transforming the data, or anyother necessary processes to achieve suitable transmission. The thirddevice can optionally be the first device, for example when the firstset of data was a query generated by the first device and the second setof data is a response to the query that is transmitted back to the firstdevice via the connectivity-enabled power outlet 100.

2.6 Addressing and Transmitting

The method 200 optionally includes determining an endpoint address basedon a set of data, transmitting the data S270 to a second power outlet100, and receiving the first set of data at the second power outlet 100,which then performs the previously described portions of the method 200(example shown in FIG. 14). The set of data can be the first set ofdata, the second set of data, a combination of the first set of data andthe second set of data, contextual data, a combination of the first setof data, the second set of data, and the contextual data, or any othersuitable set of data based on which which an endpoint address can bedetermined. This is preferably performed by the processing unit 170 andcommunication module 160 of the first power outlet 100, but canalternatively be performed by any other suitable component or system. Anendpoint address is preferably a set of data containing identifiers forthe intended recipient of transmitted data, which is necessary to ensuretransmitted data is received by the appropriate second power outlet 100.The endpoint address can identify a second power outlet, a deviceconnected to a power outlet, a power or data connector of a power outlet(e.g., based on the device connected to the respective connector), aremote system, a user device, or identify any other suitable endpoint.Examples of endpoint addresses include IP addresses, unique outletidentifiers (e.g., unique identifiers from the manufacturer of the firstor second device, locally unique identifiers when the outlet 100connects to a local network, etc.), user-assigned identifiers, or anyother suitable outlet identifier. However, the endpoint address caninclude any other suitable information. Determining an endpoint address(addressing) can include identifying the origin of the first set of dataand determining the endpoint address based on the origin of the firstset of data (e.g., wherein the origin is associated with the endpointaddress in a database). It can additionally or alternatively includedetermining an endpoint address based on stored preferences, preferencesrecalled from a remote storage location, contextual data collected bythe power outlet 100, an address included in the first set of data, orany other suitable basis for determination. Transmitting the first setof data S230 b can include modifying the first set of data S230 a,combining the first set of data with contextual data, or any othersuitable transformation of the first set of data prior to transmission.

In an alternative variation, the transmitted set of data or instructionscan be broadcast to a plurality of connected outlets or other devices.In this variation, the connected outlets receive the transmitted dataand control devices connected to the respective outlets based on thereceived data. Controlling devices can include maintaining the powerprovision to the connected device, altering the power provision to theconnected device, sending commands or instructions to the connecteddevice over a data connection, or determining whether the connecteddevice can be controlled based on the received data or instructions andcontrolling the connected device according to the received data orinstructions if the device qualifies to be controlled. Alternatively,controlling devices can include any suitable form of control orconnection.

2.7 Identifying a Connected Device

The method 200 optionally includes identifying a connected deviceautomatically, which functions to provide device identification dataregarding the origin of any received data or preferred destination ofany received, generated, or collected data. This is preferably performedby the processing unit 170 in conjunction with the communication module160 and I/O module 150 of the power outlet 100, but alternatively can beperformed by any combination of power outlet 100 components or othersuitable system. Identifying a connected device automatically caninclude identifying a connected device based on: identificationinformation supplied over a data connection to the power outlet 100;inference based on the characteristics of the data received by the poweroutlet 100 from the connected device; inference based on thecharacteristics of the power provided by the outlet 100 to the connecteddevice (e.g., current draw, voltage drop, phase shift, modulation,etc.), or any other suitable identifying data or behaviors. For example,a device can be a webcam connected via a USB power and data connection,over which the identity of the device is communicated in the form ofserialized data. In another example, the device can be a 14 Watt lightbulb, and the identity of the device is determined by the power outlet100 based on the power drawn from the light bulb when in the poweredstate. Identifying a connected device can include producing deviceidentification data, where examples of device identification datainclude: the name, function, type, manufacturer, usage history, a uniquedevice identifier (e.g., the IP address, manufacturer assignedidentifier, automatically assigned identifier, etc.), or state of thedevice, or any other suitable set of data identifying the device.

2.8 Learning from Preferences

The method 200 can optionally include learning from user preferences orbehavior, which can include storing received data; storing contextualdata S240 and associating the contextual and received data; computing apattern from the stored contextual and received data to produce arecord; receiving an additional (third) set of data; and determining aset of instructions S220 based on the additional set of data incombination with the record. This functions to enable learning fromrepeated behaviors or patterns and apply the learned behaviors, storedin the form of records, to the determination of sets of instructions.Learning can include enabling automatic control of connected devicesaccording to pattern recognition, according to contextual informationpreviously stored, or any other suitable process of automatic adjustmentof the outlet's 100 response to user or device input. For example, theoutlet can automatically turn on an electrically connected webcam inresponse to the user leaving the house (e.g., based on the user device'sGPS signal, based on an external sensor, etc.), where the userhistorically turns the webcam on within a threshold time period afterleaving the house. However, historical outlet and/or connected deviceuse can be otherwise analyzed and utilized.

3. Examples of the Method

In a first specific example of the method 200, the power outlet 100 actsas a means for controlling a webcam from a mobile phone. The mobilephone is the first device, connected to the power outlet 100 via awireless connection (e.g., over a Wi-Fi network). The webcam is thesecond device, connected to the power outlet 100 via USB. A command iswirelessly sent from the mobile phone to the power outlet 100 to turn onthe webcam, wherein the command represents the first set of data. Thepower outlet 100 receives the command, and determines that power shouldbe provided to the webcam, wherein the determined set of instructions isto provide power to the webcam. The power outlet 100 provides power tothe webcam via a powered USB connection, constituting management of thepower provided to the webcam. The webcam initiates a video stream afterreceiving power, and sends the video stream to the power outlet 100 viathe USB connection, wherein the video stream represents the second setof data.

In a second specific example of the method 200, two power outlets act asrelays for audio-visual (A/V) data transmitted between two connectedwired devices. A computer is connected to a first power outlet 100 via afirst HDMI wired connection, and sends A/V data over the HDMI connectionto the first power outlet 100. The first power outlet 100 identifiesthat an A/V data source is connected to the first power outlet 100, anddetermines the correct power outlet 100 to send the A/V data to, whereinthis determination is addressing the A/V data. The first power outlet100 addresses the A/V data to a second power outlet 100, which isconnected to a monitor screen via a second HDMI wired connection and agrounded NEMA 5-15 wall plug wired connection. In this specific example,the second power outlet 100 is located in a separate room of the samebuilding as the first power outlet 100. The first power outlet 100transmits the A/V data to the second power outlet 100 via modulation ofthe alternating current power line waveform, wherein both power outletsare connected to the same local power source comprising the electricalwiring of the building. The second power outlet 100 receives the A/Vdata, and turns on the connected monitor by supplying power to themonitor via the wired wall plug power connection. The second poweroutlet 100 transmits the A/V data to the monitor connected to the secondpower outlet 100 via the second HDMI wired connection. The second poweroutlet 100 receives playback confirmation from the connected monitor,and transmits the playback confirmation data to the first power outlet100. The first power outlet 100 receives the playback confirmation data,and transmits the playback confirmation data to the computer connectedto the first power outlet 100 via the first wired HDMI connection.

In a third specific example, several power outlets form a network andcommunicate sensor information and other data over the network to form aconnected energy management system in a building. The building isequipped with connectivity-enabled power outlets in several rooms, suchas an entryway, a kitchen, a bathroom, a living room, and a bedroom. Aperson enters the building into the entryway, and a motion sensor on afirst outlet 100 located in the entryway receives data that the personhas entered the entryway and is moving towards the living room. Thefirst power outlet 100 determines a set of instructions to turn on thelights in the living room, and addresses the set of instructions to asecond power outlet 100, which is located in the living room. The firstpower outlet 100 transmits the instructions to the second power outlet100, and the second power outlet 100 receives the instructions. Thesecond power outlet 100 is connected to a dimmable lamp via anungrounded NEMA 1-15 wall plug, and upon receiving the set ofinstructions from the first outlet 100, proceeds to supply power to thelamp such that it is at 50% of its maximum brightness. The second poweroutlet 100 includes a laser-rangefinding sensor, and collects data thatindicates the person is moving further into the living room. Uponcollecting the contextual data S240, the second power outlet 100determines that the appropriate light level is 75% of max brightnessbased on learned and stored user preference data, in conjunction withdata regarding the ambient light level and time of day. Upon determiningthe appropriate light level, the second power outlet 100 increases thepower supplied to the connected dimmable lamp.

Although omitted for conciseness, the preferred embodiments includeevery combination and permutation of the various system components andthe various method processes.

As a person skilled in the art will recognize from the previous detaileddescription and from the figures and claims, modifications and changescan be made to the preferred embodiments of the invention withoutdeparting from the scope of this invention defined in the followingclaims.

We claim:
 1. A networkable power outlet for controlling power to anexternal device and transmitting data to the external device, the poweroutlet comprising: a housing containing at least one alternating-currentpower input connection; a first power output connection coupled to thehousing, configured to deliver electrical power to a connected externaldevice; a first data connector coupled to the housing; a first sensormodule coupled to the housing; a wireless communication module,including an antenna, the wireless communication module coupled to thehousing; a processing unit contained within the housing and electricallyconnected to the wireless communication module, the first sensor module,the first power output connection, and the alternating-current inputconnection, the processing unit operable between: a first mode, whereinthe processing unit regulates the electrical power delivered by thefirst power output connection and transmits data to the connectedexternal device via the first data connector based on a signal receivedfrom the wireless communication module; a second mode, wherein theprocessing unit regulates the electrical power delivered by the firstpower output connection and transmits data to the connected externaldevice via the first data connector based on a signal received from thefirst sensor module; a third mode, wherein the processing unit transmitsdata to the wireless communication module based on a signal receivedfrom the connected external device; a fourth mode, wherein theprocessing unit transmits data to the wireless communication modulebased on a signal received from the first sensor module; and a fifthmode, wherein the processing unit is operable in a combination of thefirst, second, third, and fourth modes.